SETTING THE SCENE

The Oklahoma City rebounded from a slip up against the Kings and beat the tar out of the Golden State Warriors. They’ll look to make it 12 wins in their last 14 games as they host Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets.

The Thunder are the hottest team in the NBA over their last 13 games. Only Memphis is closer by a game.

The Hornets are led by Kemba Walker. He scored 103 points total in back-to-back games this season. He has the only 60-point game this season.

Oklahoma City is on the first night of a back-to-back. The Thunder currently are 2-0 on the first night of a back-to-back. That includes a 111-107 win over the Hornets on Nov. 1.

The Thunder are going for their first season sweep of Charlotte since the 2015-16 season.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.

Chris Fisher and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE HORNETS

The Charlotte Hornets are 9-8 on the season. They’re currently sixth in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

In their last 10 games, the Hornets are 6-4, including two straight wins.

In their previous game, Charlotte beat the Indiana Pacers 127-109 on Wednesday night.

All-time against Charlotte, the Thunder are 38-18.

Since relocation from Seattle, the Thunder are 15-5 against the Hornets.

When the games are played at the ‘Peake, Oklahoma City is 8-2.

The Hornets seem to have the Thunder’s number as of late. Oklahoma City is 2-3 against Charlotte over the last two seasons.

Kemba Walker is averaging 28.8 points per game this season, leading the Hornets in scoring. He’s also averaging 6.4 assists per game. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist leads the Hornets with 6.3 rebounds per game.

The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over Charlotte came on Nov. 26, 2012, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 114-69 (45-point margin of victory).

Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (12 points) vs. Charlotte occurred during a 101-113 loss on April 2, 2017.

THUNDER INJURY REPORT

Andre Roberson (ruptured patellar tendon) is out

Alex Abrines (viral illness) is questionable.

Terrance Ferguson (ankle sprain) is out.

Hamidou Diallo (ankle sprain) is out.

NEXT UP

The Thunder play the second night of a back-to-back against the Nuggets tomorrow night.

They’ll wrap up the month against Cleveland on the 28th and the Hawks on the 30th.

Three Keys to the Game

Play fast

Pace often dictates how the Hornets are going to do. They’re 1-5 when they are outscored in fast break points than their opponents. They’re a saltry 8-3 when they outscore their opponent on the break. Oklahoma City is 7-4 when they’re scoring more on the break than their opponents.

Free throws

Oklahoma City is slowly moving up the rankings. However, their last two have been crashing back to earth scenarios. Oklahoma City has to make free throws if they’re going to win a game, let alone a championship. If they can get over 75 percent, this game is done for.

Block out

The Thunder are the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA. That has to show tonight against one of the lesser rebounding teams in the NBA. With Will Herndangomes and Kidd-Gilchrist out, the Thunder should have plenty of glass to eating on tonight.